anaiis talks self-discovery, finding balance and all things that lay on the horizon.
A dream that became reality; anaiis’ is a story of intention. Her debut album represents a journey of growth; and this pilgrimage continues, evolving into an ethereal deluxe edition. The French-Senegalese singer sits down ahead of her righteous return to stage to discuss finding the perfect harmony in reimagining her music.
anaiis calls me from her home in London. Summer may be ending in England, but the sunshine has graced us with its presence today. And although feeling slightly under the weather, this singer, songwriter and producer begins to express herself with an open heart; eager to speak about everything up and coming. “I’m a really big fan of reimagining music… giving it new shapes, new colours and new meanings.” Having performed with the likes of Erykah Badu and Daniel Caesar, anaiis is more than accomplished. Her diverse and introspective style took shape in September 2021 with her self-released debut album - ‘this is no longer a dream’. It stands as a representation of her journey toward acceptance and self-love.
“I’m in a really big place of openness, exploration and rediscovery”
Two years later and now a mother, anaiis looks to redefine this album with the deluxe edition. Set for release this coming November, the album comprises remixes and new material. With exciting collaborations, the music is guided by fresh perspectives. “I’m in a really big place of openness, exploration and rediscovery,” anaiis speaks with a hint of anxious excitement in her velvety voice. It’s clear to see her revitalised lust for life, as it runs wildly within the melodies of ‘this is no longer a dream’ deluxe. Providing people with, “a chance to rediscover [the album] in a new light.” Her time is now.
Born in Toulouse, France, anaiis is no stranger to travel. Growing up between California, Dakar, Dublin, Salvador De Bahia and New York; she now calls London home. “I have a deep admiration for the spirit of the people here, and their approach to art,” she shares. “It feels limitless.” anaiis offers a unique perspective through the eyes of the places she once dwelled. “I feel free in the way I express myself through music… and I think that is connected to that.” This has cultivated a wealth of experience that only furthers her personal growth. “People bring out things about yourself that you weren't aware of. Every time [I have moved], there's this process of figuring out what parts of me are malleable,” expresses anaiis. Finding balance and serenity feels central to her creative process. There is a desire to remain grounded in her surroundings, “It’s [figuring out] what parts of me are in conversation with the space I'm occupying.”
“It allowed me a world in which I could love myself, love my journey and heal.”
anaiis’ inner turmoil gave birth to her debut album, ‘this is no longer a dream’. “The album came from me feeling very hurt by my journey in music,” anaiis is pensive with her words. Overflowing with introspection; you are guided by lyrical poetry that makes you want to hold anaiis’ hand. Offering opportunity for reflection; it becomes as much a wistful voyage for the listener, as it was for anaiis. Contemplating that time in her life, “I used that album as a means to slowly detach myself from [the] version of myself that had got caught up in the negativity. Making music and being an artist was my dream [but], it had turned into a nightmare.” The dream-like sounds echoing through the core of this record gave birth to its name. “The album title has a sort of double entendre… how can you actually use your imagination to project you into a space of liberation? I used the dream world as a space to do that,” she reflects. Through this creation, anaiis arrived at a place of revelry where she could just… let go. “It allowed me a world in which I could love myself, love my journey and heal.” Delivering wisdom that we ought to be reminded of more often, “It carries the ultimate message about letting yourself go and recognising that we are part of everything, we are one.”
Perhaps the biggest change in anaiis’ life - since the release of her debut album - is her odyssey into motherhood. With each journey into this territory incredibly unique, anaiis offers her perspective, “It teaches me so much every day,” she gleams. “[From] my purpose, to what I want to leave behind.” Through the profound experience of becoming a mother, anaiis recognises a shift. “I think it’s given me a deeper respect. When you’re in tune with being connected, things just flow through you and giving birth [makes] you recognise that.” Motherhood is also an act of selflessness, and as anaiis navigates raising her child, she carries this newfound wisdom in her back pocket. “I think when you take that into the creative process as well; I’m here to facilitate music, so it removes a lot of the ego.” Emphasising the importance of staying grounded in your daily existence.
“Our existence is rooted in collaboration. There’s something beautiful about creating art together.”
As life evolves, so does art. And for anaiis, this takes shape in the deluxe edition of ‘this is no longer a dream’. “The deluxe feels like a creative way to extend the life of this album,” anaiis notes. It also provides an opportunity for collaboration - and not just one or two. The deluxe edition features the likes of Jamilah Barry, Karen Nyame (KG) and more. “Our existence is rooted in collaboration. There’s something beautiful about creating art together,” acknowledges anaiis. “We did this together, this is the fruit of both of our minds joining.” Alongside the remixes, the deluxe album includes a new track called ‘openhearted’. “The deluxe is coming from a place of fun and exploration,” remarks anaiis, and this becomes transparent with ‘openhearted’. Written whilst pregnant, “It carries that spirit. When I think about being a mother, I think [the music] isn’t so serious anymore. I respect the art form and see it as a deeply spiritual practice. But now, there’s a lightheartedness and ease to [my approach].”
Considering the track ‘vanishing’, anaiis radiates with veneration. “It’s ended up touching people in a way beyond what I thought possible.” The remix includes the vocals of soul/R&B singer, Jamilah Barry. Well-respected by musical greats, Barry has performed alongside Nile Rodgers, Roy Ayres and serpentwithfeet. “Jamilah came to mind immediately, I’m in love with her voice,” anaiis is full of admiration, “We’ve always had this very deep love and respect for one another.” Speaking with endearing tenderness, she holds ‘vanishing’ close to her heart, “I don’t feel like I could let anyone get on it, you know?… I just hope that this allows for the song to grow bigger wings. [Jamilah] is someone I would love to work with again.”
“There’s a whole other way I can approach [music]… I’m trying to bring that out, and not be afraid to push the boundaries of the sonics.”
On the deluxe, ‘vanishing’ is followed by ‘transcending’ - as remixed by Karen Nyame; also known as KG. “This song is literally transcending into a new thing,” quips anaiis. With an energising summer undertone, the song moves in a way that is new to anaiis. “I don’t really make music that occupies those kinds of spaces… [Karen] has done such a good job of transporting [‘transcending’] into a new world. It’s really beautiful.” Through co-collaboration, anaiis’ songs are infused with new life, “There’s a whole other way I can approach [music]… I’m trying to bring that out, and not be afraid to push the boundaries of the sonics.”
anaiis’ rebirth will manifest in the form of a headline performance at the Barbican’s Milton Court on September 9th. Invited by Touching Bass, this long-awaited return to stage is a special event. “I see it as a landmark for me, it is one of the biggest things I have ever done.” Supported by friends, anaiis is abound with gratitude, “I’ve been very blessed to be invited to perform… to be able to finally get on that stage and share my story with people is going to be magical.” Speaking before the show takes place; anaiis doesn’t want to reveal too much about what it will entail. “I’m thinking about it every day,” she exudes excitement. Inspired by conceptual artists, anaiis considers every aspect of her show with intensity. “I’m thinking about it as if it were a film, an exhibition or a dance piece, you know? I’m just trying to be intentional.” When anaiis finally graces the stage at the Milton Court, it’s sure to be an experience of divine wonderment.
“Approach everything with the mind of a beginner and with curiosity. That will unleash things that you didn’t know were there.”
Looking to the future, it feels limitless. Hand in hand, the deluxe edition and upcoming performance mark the beginning of her next chapter. anaiis’ calling is otherworldly, “I’m trying to let go of the things and ideas I’ve had in the past, that kept me feeling limited. I want to expand beyond music.” As an artist, anaiis previously helmed a conceptual short film called ‘spirit moves’ for the V&A Museum in London. “I’m so glad you brought that up. As my first time exploring that medium, it was nice to not be anaiis and just be the person thinking about the concept.” As the fire within her yearns for more projects like ‘spirit moves’, anaiis shares a Zen Buddhist concept called Beginners Mind that often guides her. “Approach everything with the mind of a beginner and with curiosity. That will unleash things that you didn’t know were there.” With conviction, anaiis encourages actions fed by her pursuit of happiness. “Allow that to be the thing that motivates you; not the ego or the praise.”
“I think that’s what authenticity is, it’s letting go.”
How do you talk about authenticity without sounding insincere? As the topic comes up in our conversation, anaiis believes there is power in recognising your individuality. “I’ve never been able to make music that didn't feel authentic. To me, it’s about being able to see and celebrate yourself.” With serenity feeding anaiis’ newer-found feelings of openness, earnestly she ponders. “Sometimes we ascribe certain identities for ourselves, but this is when it’s time to let go of the self in the music.” This revelation feels like the perfect reflection of anaiis as a musician and creative in this moment. “I think that’s what authenticity is, it’s letting go.” As anaiis lets go, she opens the door to new ideas and endeavours. She is her art, just as her art is her. Through sonic catharsis - anaiis is reborn.
